Surgical Technologists
Did You Know:
- Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
- Job opportunities will be best for technologists who are certified and for those who are willing to relocate.
- Training programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma or associate degree.
- Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer, although much faster employment growth is expected in other health care industries.
Industry Areas
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- Offices of Physicians
- Outpatient Care Centers
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
Overall Kind of Work
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personne...
Work Environment
Military
Medical care technicians work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
1,481 Surgical Technologists in the military
Service Branches
Medical Care Technicians work in the following services:
Type of Work
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
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